1. Clicking ▼&► to (un)fold the tree-labels may facilitate locating what you want to find. 2. All politics-oriented teaching videos on this website are embedded solely for the purpose of English learning. They do not necessarily indicate or represent my personal preferences or political positions. 3. This is just one of my several websites. Please click the category-tags below to go to each independent website.

source: BBC Learning English 2017年6月27日
Dan and Catherine teach you the language the world's media is using to discuss this story.

The story
More than 1,700 NHS patients may have been harmed by an administrative blunder, the National Audit Office has found.
Over five years, tens of thousands of documents, including cancer diagnoses and other test results, were put in storage instead of being sent to hospitals or GPs.
The NAO report says the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, knew there was a problem in March 2016, but waited four months before alerting parliament.
For more, visit our website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

source: Benjamin's English Classes (engVid) 2017年5月31日If I ask you out to dinner and you don't want to go, how will you say no? We have lots of expressions to politely say no, without actually saying the word "no". In this lesson, you'll learn 10 expressions you can use to politely decline an invitation. You'll discover that that we never directly say that we don't want to go. This can be confusing for anyone who isn't familiar with English culture, and especially if English isn't your first language. Learn these 10 common expressions so you can understand native English speakers, and politely refuse an offer if someone asks you out.TAKE THE QUIZ: https://www.engvid.com/10-ways-to-say...

source: MrSkypelessons 2017年5月6日
Here is an English lesson on some of the most common phrasal verbs used with the verb BRING. Please answer the following questions:

If your friend were unconscious, how would you bring him round?
What kinds of things bring back memories of your childhood?
Where were you brought up? Did you have a good upbringing?
Would you like to bring back capital punishment?
What new laws should be brought in?
What outcomes would higher taxes bring about?
If I asked you to take an advanced English exam, would you be able to bring it off?
If I brought out a phrasal verb book, would you buy it?

source: BBC Learning English 2015年9月21日Loads of English verbs are irregular – they have different forms for their past simple and past participles and it’s not as easy as just adding –ed! Find out about using some irregular verbs including: say, take, put and ring. More practice activities are on our website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年3月22日
In this lesson, we look at how to use the swear word 'fuck' including the expressions: fuck, motherfucker, fuck around, fuck (someone) over/around, fuck up, fuck with (something), fuck with (someone), not give a fuck, and a fuck-up.
Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: English Lessons with Adam 2017年5月24日Learn these 10 phrasal verbs that are used in school, at work, and in everyday life. You'll learn expressions using the word "step" to talk about taking responsibility, doing things faster, taking a break, becoming a leader, leaving a job, and more. Step up to the plate and learn phrasal verbs -- they will make your English conversations much more interesting. You'll also be able to understand more of what native speakers say in person and in movies. After the lesson, take a step back, review what you have learned, and test yourself on the quiz at https://www.engvid.com/10-step-phrasa...

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2017年5月21日
There's a common phrase when you are leaving a company. 'Don't burn the bridge. This is basically saying you should leave on a good term. If you leave on a good note, then you have the option of coming back to the company or your position if something goes wrong with your next job. So basically, you are leaving the bridge back to your position. Watch this complete lesson with me on Let’s talk about “how to quit a job professionally” with me Michelle.

Can anything be done about this?
1 If you don’t want to work on a particular project, you could say "I have been asking to take on Program Management responsibilities here. ”
If you want a higher salary, you could say "Well, they are offering me a higher salary. Would it be possible for you guys to match this?"

2 -"I shouldn't pass this up”
If you are leaving because you have an offer from a different company, you could tell you manager: “I shouldn't pass this up. I am at a point where I want to find other challenges. “

3- I have to put in my two week notice.
Meaning: Giving a two week notice is standard. This gives your current employer the chance to hire someone to replace you. It also gives some time for you to finish the remaining work you have to do. Not giving a two week notice is one way to burn a bridge. To give a Two week notice is also an opportunity to appreciate and end on a good note.
Example: I really enjoyed my time here and I appreciated all your help on my tasks but I have to put in my two week notice.

4 -I want to take a break:
Meaning: If you want to take a break from your job for a while and join back the same company later, you could say:
Example:
I want to take a break to spend more time with my family (personal time)/ I am going to travel for a year (travel)

5- Next Friday is my last day
Meaning: This is a casual and informal phrase. You can use this to tell your close friend at work that you’re quitting.

6- I’m leaving this dump
Meaning: This is rude and offensive because you’re calling your workplace a garbage dump. Be careful with using this.

7- I got screwed here so many times
Meaning: You would use this phrase if you faced trouble at the work place so many times.

8- It was great working with you
Meaning: This is a positive and encouraging phrase that will help you leave on good terms. This is what you can say to your co-worker who is not a close friend.

9- Let me know if they have any other opening –
If someone else is leaving, then you can say something good like this. It can be used if you also want to join their new workplace.

10. Save me a seat-
Meaning: This would be used when you want them to recommend you at their new workplace.

11. "Good luck with your new career."
Meaning: This phrase would be used when you honestly want to wish someone well for their future, this could be used for someone you look up to or someone who inspires you with their work.

source: BBC Learning English 2015年11月24日
How do you spell ‘travelled’? Two 'Ls' or just one? Finn and Catherine are here in this episode of 6 Minute Vocabulary to help you with words that are difficult to spell. You can find some more explanation and activities on our site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

source: Learn English with Rebecca 2017年5月8日I've trained thousands of students for success on their IELTS exam by using these 14 tips! Now it's your turn. You'll learn what you MUST do to get the highest score on your IELTS General Writing Task 1. Find out how to easily identify the type and purpose of each letter, and how to start and end your letter perfectly. Learn to save time and effort by using standard expressions. Understand the scoring criteria, so you know exactly what to do and what NOT to do. Visit http://www.GoodLuckIELTS.com for a free guide to the IELTS, and download my free resource at https://www.engvid.com/ielts-general-... with sample letters, sample topics, key expressions, tips, and much more. Good luck!

source: BBC Learning English 2015年9月10日When you have to give a series of instructions to make or produce something, there are some common, useful and simple language features you can use to sound fluent and natural. In this programme, we demonstrate this by explaining how to cook the perfect omelette.Learn English with us: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年5月24日
In this lesson, we look at how to use the following swear words that use the word 'piss': piss, take a piss, pissed, piss (someone) off, piss off, piss away, take the piss (out of), on the piss, piss and moan, piss rain, and piss-poor.
Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: BBC Learning English 2015年11月9日Do you get confused about which of two possible spellings to use? Are you unsure whether it’s disc or disk, sympathise or sympathize, learnt or learned? Then join Finn and Catherine in 6 Minute Vocabulary for some useful tips! There is more information about this in our course at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

source: BBC Learning English 2015年10月1日Perhaps you're a boss and you want to tell an employee they've been given a promotion. Or maybe you're a teacher and you want to tell a student they've passed their exams.And now we have good news for you: Grammar and vocabulary are just a click away http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年8月2日
In this lesson, we look at the following swear words that use the word 'bitch': bitch, bitch/bitch and moan, bitchin', bitchy, son of a bitch, bitch someone out, and bitch out.
Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

There’s no time to lose
Used for telling someone to hurry, especially when time is running out and you can’t afford to lose even a minute.Put your skates on
When you want to someone to do something fast, use this expression. Remember, skating is faster than walking.What are you waiting for?
This is a sarcastic way of telling someone to hurry up.Snap to it
Used for telling someone to do something immediatelyChop chop
Means "hurry, hurry" and suggests that something should be done now and without any delayShake a leg
This has two meanings; one to dance and the other is to hurry up.Step on it
This expression has come from the driving activity where stepping on the car accelerator to increase its speed. So when someone says ‘step on it’, it means to hurry up.

In this lesson you can learn:
- Different ways to study language outside of school.
- How to work with your emotions and continue improving.
- Ways to change your life to help your language studies.
- The secret to learning English (or any language)!

source: Crown Academy of English 2017年5月23日This is a video of an English conversation with subtitles. The dialogue is between two native speakers: A British businessman and an American hotel receptionist.The daily life conversation takes place on the phone. - The British man calls a hotel in New York in order to book a room.At the end of the phone call, I give a short vocabulary lesson to explain a few words and grammar points.

With clothing and food, we use large, not big:
I ordered a big coffee with milk. ( Wrong)
I ordered a large coffee with milk.
“This shirt is too small for me.”
“What size is it?”
“Medium.”
“OK, I’ll get you a large.“

Huge & Tiny
Huge = Very big
Tiny = Very small
Their new house is huge! I think it has 50 rooms.
“Do you want any cake?”
“Just a tiny piece. I’m on a diet.”

Long & Short
Use long and short to talk about length (horizontal distance). You can also use long and short with time, books, words/sentences, hair, and legs:

The line to buy tickets for the concert is very long. There are hundreds of people waiting.
The movie is really long - about three hours.
That book is quite long - it has about 500 pages.
Academic writing often uses very long sentences.
She has short blonde hair and gorgeous long legs.

There are two ways to talk about distance (kilometers or miles):
The beach is far from my house.
The beach is a long way from my house.
The beach is long from my house.

Tall & Short
Use tall and short to talk about height (vertical distance) – especially with people, but sometimes also with buildings and trees.

My brother is really tall.
New York City has a lot of tall buildings.
There are many tall trees in the Amazon rain forest.

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2017年1月10日In this lesson, we look at how to use the following swear words with the word 'ass': ass, asshole, (adj)-ass, ass-backward(s), have one's head up one's ass, cover one's ass, and talk out of one's ass.Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: Oxford Online English 2017年5月18日In this lesson you can learn how to talk about football in English. Even if you don't like football it's a great idea to know a little bit of football vocabulary! Why? When I go to different countries, if I'm wearing my football top, then more people just start speaking to me. Talking about football will make it easier for you to start using your English and make new friends.See the full version: https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/t...In this lesson you can learn:
- Useful English vocabulary to talk about a football game.
- How to talk about a football stadium.
- Spoken English phrases and vocabulary to describe the football players and tactics of a football game.
- Different verbs to talk about football.
- How to describe football rules in English
- Ways to describe a football score in English.

source: BBC Learning English 2015年9月17日Vague language: words and phrases that aren't very exact or precise. You might want to use these phrases if you aren't sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation!Learn English with us: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2015年12月28日In this lesson, we compare how to correctly use 'so' and 'such' by looking at sentences like, 'that movie was so good!' and 'they have such a beautiful family!' among many other examples.Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: Learn English with Gill (engVid) 2017年5月22日
Are you afraid to answer the phone or make calls in English? This is very common among English learners because it is more difficult to understand a new language over the phone than face-to-face. In this lesson, I will cover all the different situations and problems that come up during phone calls, and show you how to solve them easily. I will also give you useful expressions you can use over the phone to make the call go more smoothly. Don't forget to do the quiz at https://www.engvid.com/real-english-s... to practice your phone conversation skills!

source: MrSkypelessons 2017年5月22日
Here is an English lesson on some of the most common phrasal verbs used with the preposition ON. Please answer the following questions:
Which topics do you need to brush up on for your next exam?
Do you know anyone who goes off on one when they get carried away? What do they bang on about?
How are you getting on with your English studies?
Would you be able to get by on half your current salary?
If you were laid off, who would you fall back on for support?
Has your company taken on any new employees recently?
Does/did anyone pick on the other children when you were at school?

source: BBC Learning English 2015年7月20日Gonna, wanna, dunno, whatcha... are these really English words? Who uses them and why? Finn and Catherine give you an introduction to short spoken forms in this 6 Minute Vocabulary video.

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年1月4日In this lesson, we look at the following slang expressions that begin with the letter 'D': down, dis(s), dead, ditch, dirty, disaster, dicey, and dump.
Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2017年5月12日For transcript, visit - http://www.learnex.in/bucket-list-adv...
What really is a bucket list? The bucket list is a list of things that you want to do before you die. Yes, and do you know where does it come from? It comes from English idiom slang or a slang idiom, which is to kick the bucket. What is it to kick the bucket? To kick the bucket means to die. If I say that he kicked the bucket, it means that he is dead. Have you heard of that English movie, it was released in 2008, starring Morgan Freeman and jack Nicholson, yes, the bucket list? In that movie do you remember there were such strange topics like, kissing the most beautiful woman in the world and also helping an absolute stranger, laughing, ha, ha, ha, ha till you cry? Have you heard of that? Yes, these crazy and adventurous things are what are called as a bucket list. Do you want to know what is on my bucket list? Then come and join me.

source: IELTS Ryan 2017年5月5日For more exercises like this: ieltsielts.comContact me: ryan@ieltsielts.com
Here is a copy of the essay as it appears in the video:

Consumers are exposed to an extreme amount of advertising in the modern era. To what extent do you think people are influenced by ads? What measures would you suggest to protect them?

Modern approaches to marketing have become increasingly intrusive, and this has exposed people to more advertising than ever before in history. Because many of these advertisements successfully manipulate the viewer’s lifestyle and opinions, I feel their influence is profound. This essay will analyse examples that demonstrate this influence. It will also offer suggestions regarding how society can guard itself against the powers of advertising.

The influence of advertising can change lifestyles and societal values in dangerous ways. For example, fast food, such as that served by McDonald’s and KFC, is often presented as the diet of athletic people. To the public, these images normalise and validate what many scientific studies have confirmed is a very unhealthy dietary choice. In addition to altering lifestyles, marketing campaigns can also confuse the public about important societal events. For instance, a recently released video depicts a group of marching protestors defusing a confrontation with the police by giving them a Pepsi. Many people correctly pointed out that such imagery trivialises the purpose of protest and the professional role of the police, images that could dangerously alter the opinions of impressionable young people. Thus, as the above examples show, advertising in the modern era is extremely influential.

To protect people from these negative effects, one approach is to regulate the number of times a marketing campaign can target a specific person’s social media account. This has been effective in Canada, where marketers are only allowed to present their promotional Facebook imagery to people old enough to know they are being advertised to. A second strategy could be to create awareness programs in high schools that educate young people about advertisements and their influence. These two policies would help preserve the public’s ability to remain critical of what they see.

Although advertising is an economic necessity, its influence should be recognised and kept under control. As the above has shown, societies should work to guard their freedom to make decisions unaltered by the interests of large companies.

source: Oxford Online English 2017年4月27日
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to chair a meeting in English. You can learn business English words and phrases which you can use in your next meeting.
See the full version: https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/c...
Tomorrow, you have an important meeting, and you’re the chair. It’s the first time you’re chairing a meeting in English!
Think about this situation. Would you know what to say to start the meeting, present your main ideas, or summarise your meeting agenda?In this lesson, you’ll learn:
- How to welcome attendees and open a meeting in English.
- Useful phrases to introduce the topic of the meeting and set the agenda.
- How to get through the agenda and move between key points.
- How to invite other attendees to participate.
- How to stay on topic and deal with distractions,
- How to close your meeting.

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年1月25日In this lesson, we look at the following slang expressions that begin with the letter 'H': hate someone's guts, hit on (someone), hit the sack/hay, hooked (on), hands-on, hang it up, hard up (for), hit the spot, and hit the road.Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: mmmEnglish 2017年5月8日
Down the free worksheet to practice: https://www.mmmenglish.com/confusingw...There are lots of English words that look and sound similar, so it is easy to make spelling and vocabulary mistakes - even for native English speakers!In this lesson, I explain some confusing pairs of words, like this:Advise /adviceaccept/except
Aloud / allowed
All together / altogether
Along / a long
Desert / dessert
Principal / principle
Complement / compliment
Read the full transcript: https://www.mmmenglish.com/2017/05/08...

source: Maple Leaf ESL 2016年3月15日In this lesson, we look at the following slang expressions that use the letter 'K': kick, kill, knock-off, know-it-all, killer, keep a straight face, kosher, kick in, kick-ass, and kick it.Visit www.mapleleafesl.com for more free English lessons, and be sure to go like the Maple Leaf ESL page on Facebook.

source: BBC Learning English 2015年8月17日In this video we look at words like 'dessert' and 'desert', 'bored' and 'boring'. Learners of English often find it difficult to choose the right one. Do you? Practise using easily confused words with us.Learn English with us: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

source: BBC Learning English 2017年6月14日At the offices of Tip Top Trading, the team is catching up on yesterday's good news from the conference. But today it's bad news that everyone is going to hear following Paul's chat with big boss, Mr Socrates. Someone is going to lose their job!For more English at Work and other great content:: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

TRANSCRIPT
Denise
Morning everyone. How did you get on at the conference?

Tom
Oh hi Denise. Yeah it was… it was OK.

Anna
What do you mean 'OK'? It was great. We made some new contacts and we won an award – Best Plastic Innovation of the Year, for our Imperial Lemon.

Denise
Oh that's wonderful. Wish I'd been there.

Tom
Maybe next year eh?

Narrator
Maybe?Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading where everyone is catching up on yesterday's good news. But today it's bad news that everyone is going to hear following Paul’s chat with the big boss, Mr Socrates. But how bad is it? Let's find out.

Paul
Morning everyone.

Anna
Hi Paul. Everything OK?

Paul
Yes, fine. Well done for winning Employee of the Year – I hope you can continue to be a great employee. Excuse me.

Denise
Hmm, he sounded odd. What did he mean?

Tom
Probably run out of biscuits!

Anna
He's obviously got something on his mind.

Paul
Denise, could I have a word with you in my office please?

Denise
Of course. I'll bring my notepad and pen shall I?

Tom
What's that all about? Anyway, now we're alone, I wanted to see what you're doing tonight… are you free?

Denise
Paul says he needs to move the furniture around and he has to let me go. He says he can't afford me anymore.

Anna
That's terrible… but where's he letting you go to? And what furniture is he moving?

Narrator
No Anna! If someone says they are 'moving the furniture' they really mean they are restructuring or changing the business. And if they say 'they have to let you go', it means they are sacking you or in other words, ending your job.

Denise
He says it's because of the tough economic situation. My role is no longer needed

Tom
Hey, that's not true. You make a great cup of tea Denise. I've got a good mind to smash Paul's bourbons into tiny crumbs. Grrr.

Anna
Calm down Tom. Now Denise, when did Paul say you had to go?

Denise
He's given me seven days' notice.

Narrator
A 'notice period' is an amount of time an employer must give an employee if they plan to terminate their employment.

Denise
I never thought I would be facing redundancy… not now… not at my age.

Anna
Redundancy?

Narrator
Yes, if someone says 'they are facing redundancy', it’s another way of saying they are losing their job. Hmm, I think Denise needs a shoulder to cry on.

Anna
Yes. Denise, do you want my shoulder to cry on?

Denise
Oh thanks.

Tom
Urgh! Erm… Denise, I've just made some tea would you like a cup?

Denise
Oh yes please.

Tom
There you go. You know Denise, you've got to think positively. You'll get another job… and let's face it you didn't like working here anyway… you always looked so miserable.

Narrator
I don't think Tom's attempts to cheer Denise up are going to work! Losing your job can be a traumatic experience. It can come as a surprise and a shock. Let's hear the phrases Paul used to break the news to Denise:

We've got to move the furniture around.

I'm afraid I've got to let you go.

I'm giving you seven days' notice.

Narrator
And here are some other expressions you may hear in connection with losing your job:

Facing redundancy

Getting the sack

Terminating your employment

Leaving the company

Denise
Right, well, I might as well start clearing out my desk.

Tom
Yeah it's a real shame. Any chance I could have your stapler?

Anna
Tom, you could be a bit more sympathetic.

Tom
Oh right.

Paul
Tom, Anna. Could I have a word in my office please?

Tom
Oh no. This is it. It's my turn to get the chop!

Denise
Ha, You might not need my stapler after all!

Narrator
Crikey! Things aren't looking good at Tip Top Trading. Are Tom and Anna getting the chop… I mean, the sack? Join us again next time on English at Work.

source: Oxford Online English 2017年4月25日See the full version: https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/v...
Do you use contractions like 'isn’t', 'I’m' or 'he’d'? Many English learners don’t. But, using contractions can really help to improve your English fluency.
First, it will help your English listening, because contractions can be difficult to hear if you don’t use them yourself.
Secondly, your English speaking will sound more fluent and natural if you use contractions. You can learn more about how to pronounce English contractions in this lesson.Points covered in this English pronunciation lesson:
- How to form contractions in English.
- How to pronounce English contractions correctly.
- How to form positive and negative English contractions.
- When to use (and not to use) contractions.
- Unwritten English contractions: contractions which are used in spoken English but not in written English.

source: Crown Academy of English 2017年5月16日Here are the phrases that you will learn in this lesson:
to give up
to give something away
to give someone a hand
to give someone a lift / ride
to give someone your word

The major categories of this site [see below the "Archives" / click ▼&► to (un)fold each entry]I. ConversationII. Common Confusions/MistakesIII. Idiom / Phrase / VocabularyIV. PronunciationV. (other aspects: how to learn / improve...)# main sources